Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 February 2023
137. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications if he will provide a list of social welfare payments which qualify a person for the SEAI fully-funded energy upgrades; if he will provide a list of the social welfare payments that do not qualify a person; the rationale for same; if the scope will be broadened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9565/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Better Energy Warmer Homes Scheme delivers free energy upgrades for eligible homeowners in low-income households who are most at risk of energy poverty. A record budget of €148.5 million has been allocated to the scheme for 2023. The average cost per home completed in the last three months of 2022 was €21,376.
The eligibility criteria for the Warmer Homes Scheme are mainly linked to Department of Social Protection (DSP) means tested payments. Priority is then given to those living in the worst performing homes, with Building Energy Ratings of E, F or G. These criteria target the support to those on the lowest incomes in the least efficient homes, so that the resources available to the scheme can have the greatest impact. There are no plans currently to amend the eligibility criteria.
Households in receipt of the following DSP payments can apply for the Warmer Homes Scheme:
- Fuel Allowance;
- Job Seekers Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7);
- Working Family Payment;
- One-Parent Family Payment;
- Disability Allowance for more than six months (and having children under 7);
- Domiciliary Care Allowance;
- Carer’s Allowance where you live with the person you are caring for.
For those that do not meet the qualifying criteria for free upgrades, the Government also provides other supports to homeowners to improve energy efficiency in their homes. Included in these supports are grants for attic and cavity wall insulation which were tripled in value last year. Details are available on SEAI’s website at www.seai.ie/grants . A programme of retrofitting for Local Authority Housing is also being funded through the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government.
There are also other grants and schemes available from Government that could be of assistance where there is an urgent need for home repairs. These include the Department of Social Protection Urgent Needs Payment available through the Community Welfare Service at local DSP offices, and the Housing Adaptation Grant Scheme which is administered by the Local Authorities.
